James Keir (1735–1820)

Scottish chemist and industrialist. Studied medicine at Edinburgh University, where he began a lifelong friendship with Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802). Abandoned medicine and served in the army, 1757–68. Moved to Birmingham and established several chemical businesses over the next four decades. A member of the Lunar Society of Birmingham. Author of several poems and many scientific works. FRS 1785.